Experts predict higher levels of spring allergens

Climate change spawns early and heavy pollination

10:58 PM,
Apr. 8, 2013

File photo.

Written by

Cathy Payne
| USA Today

This year's spring allergy season is nothing to sniff at: It may be longer and stronger, allergists say.

Blooming trees have been releasing pollen into the air, triggering allergic reactions in some people. The start of tree pollination varies across the country, and cold spells in certain regions cause pollen levels to fluctuate.

Higher mean temperatures from climate change affect tree pollination, said Richard Weber, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "We are seeing trees not only pollinate earlier but also produce more pollen." ...